Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the disorders of the endocrine system, faced by women usually after puberty of all races and ethnicity. There is a high prevalence of PCOS globally, and both mother and fetus have to face complications due to it. This study was aimed to assess the level of general public awareness toward PCOS among females in Saudi Arabia and to explore the relationship between the level of awareness and different sociodemographic factors.
Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 413 adult female participants were randomly enrolled. A pretested questionnaire was used in data collection in five main regions of Saudi Arabia from April to August 2020. The level of awareness was assessed and compared to the sociodemographic characteristics of participants.
Results: Majority of the participants (n = 167, 40.4%) had an age range between 36 and 45 years, single were (48.4%), and Saudi nationals were (80.4%). The findings of this study indicated that most of the participants (n = 309, 74.8%) were recognized with a good level of awareness, whereas 104 (25.2%) had a poor level of awareness. The level of awareness of PCOS was significantly related to educational level and marital status. On the contrary, age and nationality did not have any significant impact on PCOS awareness.
Conclusion: There was a high level of awareness toward PCOS among females in Saudi Arabia.

Key words: PCOS, polycystic ovaries, awareness, endocrinology.